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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (AP) _ Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev extended a  moratorium on the death penalty in this former Soviet republic through the end of 2005, his office said Sunday.

Akayev has signed the decree <guided by principles of humanism and mercy,> his office said in a statement.

Akayev ordered his government to allocate additional funding to improve conditions for the convicts on death row. He also ordered to prepare legislation by June 30 aimed at outlawing capital punishment in line with the national human rights program.

It wasn't clear when the legislation would be sent to the parliament for approval.

Kyrgyzstan has repeatedly extended the moratorium on the death penalty since it was first introduced in 1998.

KYRGYZSTAN: Kyrgyzstan extends death penalty moratorium for a year

Kyrgyzstan has extended its moratorium on the execution of death sentences until December 31, 2005, the presidential press service said on Saturday.

A presidential decree that extends the moratorium also orders the government to raise funds to improve imprisonment conditions for those sentenced to death and prescribes drafting before June 30, 2005, legislation to abolish the death penalty as part of the Human Rights national program for 2002-2010.